Instant Pot Recipe: Barbecue Pulled Pork with Bell Peppers

When people prepare a recipe, they normally think that there is only one way to enjoy it. They make it, take it at face value and enjoy it for what it is. However, what if I told you that a single recipe could be used to make several different meals?

I have partnered with the National Pork Board’s “Pork Es Sabor” to help you be creative in the kitchen with delicious pork recipes that your entire family will enjoy. Cooking your favorite pork recipe with lean cuts of pork is highly recommended for a healthier meal.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans and high blood pressure is one of the most common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. However, I love using pork because it is a healthy, high-quality protein with 27% less saturated fat than 20 years ago in the most common cuts of pork.

Today, I’m making Barbecue Pulled Pork with Bell Peppers. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A pulled pork sandwich, how is that creative?” However, I love this recipe because it can be used to create different meals throughout the week, none of which are a sandwich. You can prepare this recipe over the weekend and be creative during the week with how you use your protein and what you include it with to make a brand new meal every day.

For example, you can add your pulled pork to corn tortillas for a festive Taco Tuesday. Try pouring your pulled pork over whole-grain pasta on Wednesday or enjoy a mouthwatering stuffed sweet potato for your lunch on Thursday. As you can see, this is a diversely delicious, healthy and easy-to-make pork recipe you can use to celebrate any occasion.

For this Barbecue Pulled Pork with Bell Peppers recipe, I used pork loin, which is a lean cut of pork. I also cooked it in an Instant Pot, but you can also use a Crock-Pot for your preparation.

Barbecue Pulled Pork with Bell Peppers

Serves: 8

Serving size: 1 cup

Ingredients

1 medium red onion, rough chop

3 red bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), rough chop

2 jalapeños peppers, diced

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

4 pounds of pork loin, cut into 3-inch cubes

½ cup barbecue sauce

¼ cup red wine vinegar

Sea salt and pepper to taste

½ cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Put all the ingredients in the Instant Pot
2. Make sure to mix all ingredients well, so everything gets coated with the sauce
3. Cook on “Manual” for 45 minutes
4. When done, turn the pressure valve to release the pressure and open the lid
5. Drain the fluid by putting the pork and bell peppers in a colander
6. Place the pork mixture onto a cutting board to shred with two forks
7. Put shredded pork mixture in a bowl
8. Mix in cilantro

Disclaimer: Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D., is a spokesperson/ambassador for the National Pork Board and is paid for services which include, but not limited to, photography, videography, recipe development, social media promotion and online contributions.
– “I only represent companies that I truly believe in their mission and love their products. I use them often myself as they are the best, nutritionally foods available. All the opinions expressed this article or video are my own” – Manuel Villacorta.